Community

Northfield CPA John L. Ferrentino stepped up to the presidency of the Columbian Club of Chicago at the organization’s annual installation gala. Joining Ferrentino as 2015 officers are First Vice President Jonathan L. Zivojnovic, Second Vice President Anthony L. Ambrose, Third Vice President Jack P. Cannata, Secretary Stuart J. Caravello, Treasurer Vincent A. Maietta and Sergeant-at-Arms Mark M. Corrado. The two-year members of the board of directors are Frank Binetti, Michael D. Russotto, John F. Curry, Daniel A. Corrado and. Frank J. Lucchese. The one-year directors are Ross A. Morizzo, John L. Ambrogi, Victor M. Guerrieri, Christopher M. Dirks and …

Casa Italia has launched a fundraising paver project that promises to place it on a secure financial footing for years to come. The pavers will line the walkway between the Italian Cultural Center and Nonna Graziella in a pair of two-foot-wide paths that will eventually be lined with landscaping and benches. With plenty of parking on the either end of the walkway, the project will be readily accessible to the public, and at a maximum distance of only two feet, each paver will be easily located and viewed. The cost is $150 for a 4-inch-by-8-inch paver and $300 for an …

Richard and Debra Kopacz of Countryside are pleased to announce the wedding of their daughter Kelly to Giuliano Cerami. Giuliano is the son of Giuseppe and Giuseppina Cerami of Chicago. The bride is employed as an administrative assistant at a law firm in Chicago. A passionate artist, she is spearheading the creation of an Art League at Casa Italia in Stone Park. The groom is working as a head receiver for a grocery chain. The two were wed this May at St. Cletus Parish in LaGrange.  

  The Italian American Political Coalition honored a trio of titans at its March 20 Heritage Celebration at Diplomat West Banquets in Elmhurst. Retired Judge Bruno Tassone received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Executive Director JoAnn Serpico earned the William Paca Award and the Public Service Award was given to Hawthorn Woods Mayor Joe Mancino. The annual event honors Italian Americans who are active in the political and governmental arenas. Pictured (from left) are IAPC Rules Chairman Rich Pellegrino, IAPC President and Cook County Commissioner Peter Silvestri, Serpico, Mancino and Tassone.  

The Order Sons of Italy’s Grand Lodge of Illinois and Wisconsin hosted its 13th annual Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence Gala on May 4 at BeauJolie Banquets in Schiller Park. Sharing the spotlight were Lo Duca Brothers Inc., Michael A. Rizzo Insurance Agency and Giuffre Brothers Cranes Inc. (Business of Distinction.); Stan J. Mill and Sebastian Busalacchi (Community Leadership); Paul Loparco (Education); Dom & Phil De Marinis Pizza (Entrepreneur); Michael Fricilone and Sam S. Pulia (Government); Judge Luciano Panici (Jurisprudence); and Drs. Piero Antuono, Mary C. Boyle, Victor G. Cimino, John M. Santaniello and Louis B. Scannicchio (Medicine). (708-403-7822)

  State Rep. Anthony DeLuca convened with spiritual leaders from across the district at his 14th annual clergy breakfast. DeLuca presented his agenda for the upcoming legislative session at the breakfast, answered questions and received comments from the attendees regarding the funding of local government, proposed budget cuts and education. “We are fortunate to have so many members of the clergy participate, listen to our concerns and provide sound advice,” DeLuca said. “I always look forward to hearing about all they are doing to help our friends and neighbors.”

The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization honored Joe Calafiore as Humanitarian of the Year at its Honor & Hope Gala on April 18 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. When you first see Joe, the words “Serve and Protect” seem so appropriate, and not just because he was a police officer. He’s an imposing figure; a big guy with slick black hair. When he’s serious, he’s very serious, but somehow you know he wouldn’t hurt a fly. And when he smiles you know everything is going to be okay. That’s why, when his name came up as a candidate for …

  Two longtime local leaders of the Italian American War Veterans’ Ladies Auxiliary have risen to positions of prominence. Angela Rinaldi (right, in photo above) was elected to the post of national president in August at the national convention in Las Vegas, and Mille DiGilio (left) was elected state president in September at the state convention in Harwood Heights. Rinaldi began her involvement in the organization in the early 1990s when she joined the Guido Belmonte Auxiliary #4. She was elected state auxiliary president in 1995, serving a two-year term. In this position, she received recognition from the Illinois Department …

  Gianni Fava, regional minister of agriculture from Italy’s Lombardy region, gave the opening remarks at the “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” forum in Miami. The event served as the official U.S. pre-launch for EXPO Milan 2015 and celebrated the United States’ support and participation in the upcoming World’s Fair. The National Italian American Foundation presented a $25,000 educational grant to Miami Dade College at the event. On hand were NIAF Chairman Joseph V. Del Raso, President John M. Viola and General Counsel Arthur J.  Furia. “The impact of the $25,000 grant demonstrates the foundation’s commitment and support in …

Easter is a joyous time for Christians around the world, an event that represents the triumph of life over death. Before that momentous Sunday, however, a brief but intense period of mourning commences, culminating on Good Friday, the day Christ was crucified, died and was buried. For centuries, towns and villages across Italy have expressed their collective sorrow with masses and processions that rival any other on the religious calendar. “The Good Friday celebration is the most spectacular in Italy, even more so than even Easter Sunday,” the Rev. August Feccia explains. “This memory is cherished very deeply by the …